KR102530786B1 - Additive assembly for electronic vaping devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge (70) for an electronic vaping device (60) is provided that includes a vaporizer assembly (22) configured to form generated vapor and an additive assembly (24) in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly (22). . Additive assembly 24 includes an adsorbent material comprising adsorbed carbon dioxide, wherein the adsorbent material is configured to release carbon dioxide within the generated vapor based on at least a portion of the generated vapor being adsorbed to the adsorbent material, wherein the adsorbent material is configured to release carbon dioxide into the generated vapor. is further configured to generate heat based on being adsorbed to the adsorbent material.

Description

Additive assembly for electronic vaping devices

The present disclosure relates to electronic vaping devices and e-vaping devices.

An e-vaping device, also referred to herein as an e-vaping device (EVD), may be used by adult vapers to vape while carrying. Flavored vapors within the e-vaping device may be used to deliver flavor along with vapors that may be produced by the e-vaping device. Flavored vapors can be delivered through the flavor system.

In some cases, flavor loss of flavor vapors from the flavor system may occur when the flavor system is exposed to a heat source. In some cases, flavor loss in flavor vapors can occur as a result of thermal alteration or chemical reactions between the flavor system and the vapor at sufficiently high temperatures.

This loss of flavor from the flavor system can reduce the sensory experience provided by the e-vaping device that includes the flavor system.

According to some example embodiments, a cartridge for an electronic vaping device (EVD) includes a vaporizer assembly configured to form generated vapor; and an additive assembly in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly. The additive assembly comprises: an adsorbent material comprising adsorbed carbon dioxide, configured to release carbon dioxide in the generated vapor based on at least a portion of the generated vapor being adsorbed on the adsorbent material, and based on the generated vapor being adsorbed on the adsorbent material an adsorbent material further configured to generate heat; and a flavoring agent, wherein the flavoring material is configured to release the flavoring agent into the generated vapor based at least in part on absorbing heat generated by the adsorbent material.

The adsorbent material may include a plurality of adsorbent beads.

The flavor material may include a plurality of beads, and each bead may include a flavoring agent.

The flavoring material may include at least one botanical substance, and the at least one botanical substance may include a flavoring agent.

The adsorption material may include at least one of zeolite, silica, activated carbon, and molecular sieves.

The cartridge may further include a vaporizer assembly module and at least one additive module. The vaporizer assembly module may be removably coupled to the at least one additive module. The vaporizer assembly module may include at least one additive module comprising a vaporizer assembly and an additive assembly.

The cartridge may further include a plurality of additive modules detachably coupled together, each additive module separately containing one of an adsorbent material and a flavor material.

The additive assembly may include at least first and second additive structures. The first and second additive structures may include at least one of an adsorption material and a flavor material. The first and second additive structures may at least partially define a boundary of at least one flow path between the first and second additive structures.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, an electronic vaping device can include a vaporizer assembly configured to form generated vapor and an additive assembly in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly. The additive assembly is an adsorbent material comprising adsorbed carbon dioxide, configured to release carbon dioxide in the generated vapor based on at least a portion of the generated vapor being adsorbed on the adsorbent material, and based on the generated vapor being adsorbed on the adsorbent material. It may include an adsorbent material further configured to generate heat. The additive assembly may include a flavor material comprising a flavoring agent configured to release the flavoring agent in the resulting vapor based at least in part on absorbing heat generated by the adsorbent material. The e-vaping device may include a power source configured to selectively power the vaporizer assembly.

The adsorbent material may include a plurality of adsorbent beads.

The flavor material may include a plurality of beads, each bead containing a flavoring agent.

The flavoring material may include at least one botanical substance, and the at least one botanical substance may include a flavoring agent.

The adsorption beads may include at least one of zeolite, silica, activated carbon, and molecular sieves.

The e-vaping device may further include a vaporizer assembly module and at least one additive module. The vaporizer assembly module may be removably coupled to the at least one additive module. The vaporizer assembly module may include at least one additive module comprising a vaporizer assembly and an additive assembly.

The e-vaping device may further include a plurality of additive modules detachably coupled together, each additive module separately including one of an adsorbent material and a flavor material.

The additive assembly may include at least first and second additive structures. The first and second additive structures may include at least one of an adsorption material and a flavor material. The first and second additive structures may at least partially define a boundary of at least one flow path between the first and second additive structures.

The power section may include a rechargeable battery.

According to some example embodiments, a cartridge for an electronic vaping device (EVD) includes a vaporizer assembly configured to form generated vapor; and an additive assembly in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly. The additive assembly may include an adsorbent material comprising adsorbed carbon dioxide, the adsorbent material being configured to release carbon dioxide within the generated vapor based on at least a portion of the generated vapor being adsorbed to the adsorbent material, the adsorbent material comprising the generated vapor and further configured to generate heat based on adsorption to the adsorbent material.

The adsorbent material may include a plurality of adsorbent beads.

The adsorption material may include at least one of zeolite, silica, activated carbon, and molecular sieves.

The adsorbent material may be configured to generate heat based on at least a portion of the generated vapor being adsorbed to the adsorbent material. The additive assembly includes a flavor material comprising a flavoring agent, the flavoring material being configured to release the flavoring agent in the generated vapor based at least in part on absorbing heat generated by the adsorbent material.

The flavor material may comprise a plurality of beads, each bead comprising at least one flavoring agent.

The flavoring material may include at least one botanical substance, and the at least one botanical substance may include at least one flavoring agent.

Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered to scale unless expressly noted. Various dimensions in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.
1A is a side view of an e-vaping device according to some example implementations.
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A taken along line IB-IB′.
2A is a plan view of an additive assembly according to some example embodiments.
2B is a plan view of an additive assembly according to some example embodiments.
2C is a plan view of an additive assembly according to some example embodiments.
2D is a plan view of an additive assembly according to some example embodiments.
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing that the adsorbent material and the flavor material contained in the additive assembly release carbon dioxide in the generated vapor to form flavor vapor.
4 is a cross-sectional view of an additive assembly module and a vaporizer assembly module according to some example embodiments.
5 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of additive assembly modules and a vaporizer assembly module according to some example embodiments.
6A is a cross-sectional view of an additive assembly comprising multiple additive structures according to some example embodiments.
6B is a cross-sectional view of an additive assembly comprising multiple additive structures according to some example embodiments.

Some detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative examples for describing illustrative embodiments. However, the illustrative embodiments may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited only to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while various modifications and alternatives are possible in the exemplary embodiments, exemplary embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, there is no intention to limit the example embodiments to the specific forms disclosed; on the contrary, it should be understood that the example embodiments include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within their scope. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the drawings.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “above,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it means that the other element or layer is over, connected to, coupled to, or covers, or an intervening element or layer. It should be understood that layers may exist. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout this application.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers or sections, it should be understood that these elements, regions, layers and sections should not be limited by these terms. do. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer or section from another element, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc.) herein refer to the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature shown in a figure. It can be used to facilitate explanation in describing. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, as well as the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “beneath” or “beneath” other elements or features will be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Terminology used herein is merely for describing various exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. The terms "includes, comprises," and "including, comprising," when used herein, define the presence of a described feature, integer, step, operation, or element; It will be further understood that the above does not exclude the presence or addition of other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or groups thereof.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. As such, variations from the shape of the drawings are expected as a result of manufacturing techniques or tolerances. Thus, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shape of the regions shown herein, but should include deviations in shape resulting, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments belong. Terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, are to be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with that in the context of the relevant field and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. will be.

1A is a side view of an e-vaping device 60 according to some example implementations. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A taken along line IB-IB′. The e-vaping device 60 is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192623 by Tucker et al., filed on January 31, 2013, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 by Tucker et al., filed on January 14, 2013. 2013/0192619, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term “e-vaping device” includes all types of electronic vaping devices regardless of shape, size or shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the e-vaping device 60 includes a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 70 and a reusable power source section (or second section) 72 . Sections 70 and 72 may be joined together at complementary interfaces 74 and 84 of the respective sections 70 and 72 .

In at least some example implementations, interfaces 74 and 84 are threaded connectors. It should be understood that the interfaces 74 and 84 can be any type of connector, including but not limited to at least one of a snug-fit, detent, bayonet, or clamp.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , in some exemplary implementations, outlet end insert 20 may be positioned at the outlet end of cartridge 70 . The outlet end insert 20 includes at least one outlet port 21 which can be positioned off-axis from the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 60 . The at least one outlet port 21 may be inclined outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 60 . A plurality of outlet ports 21 are provided evenly or substantially uniformly around the circumference of the outlet end insert 20 for substantially uniform distribution of vapor drawn through the outlet end insert 20 during vaping. can be distributed. Thus, when vapor is drawn through the outlet end insert 20, the vapor may travel in a different direction.

Cartridge 70 includes a vaporizer assembly 22 and an additive assembly 24 . Vaporizer assembly 22 may form generated vapor 95, and additive assembly 24 may produce flavor vapor 97 based on releasing one or more additives into generated vapor 95 formed by vaporizer assembly 22. ) can be formed.

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 is configured to release one or more additives into generated steam 95 based on desorbing one or more additives from one or more adsorbent materials included in additive assembly 24. It consists of

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 is configured to release one or more additives into generated vapor 95 based on desorption of one or more additives from one or more adsorbent materials. The one or more additives may be desorbed from the one or more additive materials based on one or more components of the generated vapor 95 being adsorbed on the one or more adsorbent materials to remove the one or more additives on the one or more adsorbent materials. In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 reacts with one or more components of generated steam 95 to release one or more additives.

As described further below, one or more components of generated vapor 95 may include one or more components of the pre-vaporization formulation that forms generated vapor 95 . The one or more components may include at least one of water, solvent, active ingredient, ethanol, plant extract, natural flavor, or artificial flavor. The pre-vaporization agent may include at least one of glycerin and propylene glycol.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the cartridge 70 includes a longitudinally extending outer housing 16 and an inner tube 62 positioned coaxially within the outer housing 16 . Power section 72 includes a longitudinally extending outer housing 17 . In some exemplary implementations, outer housing 16 may be a single tube housing both cartridge 70 and power section 72 and the entire e-vaping device 60 may be disposable. The outer housing 16 may have a substantially cylindrical cross section. In some exemplary implementations, outer housing 16 may have an approximately triangular cross-section along one or more of cartridge 70 and power supply 72 . In some exemplary implementations, the outer housing 16 may have a larger circumference or dimension at the tip end than at the outlet end of the e-vaping device 60 .

The vaporizer assembly 22 includes an inner tube 62, a gasket 14, a gasket 18, a reservoir 32 configured to hold the pre-vaporization agent, and a dispensing interface 34 configured to draw the pre-vaporization agent from the reservoir 32. ), and a heating element 36 configured to vaporize the aspired pre-vaporization agent.

At one end of inner tube 62, the nose portion of gasket (or seal) 14 fits within the end of inner tube 62. The outer perimeter of gasket 14 may provide a substantially airtight seal with the inner surface of outer housing 16 . Gasket 14 includes a passage 15 that opens into the interior of an inner tube 62 defining a channel 66 . A space 38 at the rear of the gasket 14 ensures communication between the passage 15 and one or more air inlet ports 44 located between the gasket 14 and the connector element 91 . Connector element 91 may be included in interface 74 .

In some exemplary embodiments, the nose portion of gasket 18 fits another end of inner tube 62 . An outer perimeter of gasket 18 may provide a substantially airtight seal with an inner surface of outer housing 16 . Gasket 18 includes passage 19 disposed between channel 66 of inner tube 62 and the interior of outlet end insert 20 . Passageway 19 may move vapor from channel 66 through additive assembly 24 to outlet end insert 20 .

In some exemplary implementations, at least one air inlet port 44 is formed in the outer housing 16 adjacent the interface 74 to minimize the chance of an adult vaporer's finger blocking one of the ports during vaping; The resistance to draw (RTD) can be controlled. In some exemplary implementations, the air inlet ports 44 are carefully controlled in diameter during manufacture and placed within the outer housing 16 by precision tools such that they are replicated identically from one e-vaping device 60 to the next. can be machined.

In some exemplary implementations, air inlet port 44 may be drilled with a carbide drill bit or other high precision tool or technique. In some exemplary implementations, the outer housing 16 may be formed of a metal or metal alloy so that the size and shape of the air inlet port 44 may not change during manufacturing operations, packaging, and vaping. Thus, the air inlet port 44 can provide a consistent RTD. In some exemplary implementations, the air inlet port 44 may be configured and sized such that the e-vaping device 60 has a resistance to draw in the range of about 60 mm phytometer to about 150 mm phytometer.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B , reservoir 32 may contain a pre-vaporization agent. The space defined between gaskets 14 and 18, outer housing 16, and inner tube 62 may form confines of reservoir 32, so that reservoir 32 is formed by inner tube 62. , can be included in the annular portion between the outer housing 16 and the gaskets 14, 18. Thus, reservoir 32 may at least partially surround channel 66 .

Since dispensing interface 34 is coupled to reservoir 32 , dispensing interface 34 may extend transversely across channel 66 between opposite portions of reservoir 32 . The dispensing interface 34 is configured to draw the pre-vaporization formulation from the reservoir 32 .

Heating element 36 is coupled to dispensing interface 34 and is configured to generate heat. As shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1B , heating element 36 may extend transversely across channel 66 between opposite portions of reservoir 32 . In some exemplary embodiments, heating element 36 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of channel 66 .

Since the dispensing interface 34 is configured to draw the pre-vaporization formulation from the reservoir 32, the pre-vaporization formulation will be vaporized from the dispensing interface 34 based on the heating of the dispensing interface 34 by the heating element 36. can

During vaping, the pre-vapor formulation may be delivered from at least one of the reservoir 32 or a storage medium proximal to the heating element 36 via the capillary action of the dispensing interface 34 . Dispensing interface 34 may include a first end and a second end. First and second distal portions of dispensing interface 34 may extend into opposite sides of reservoir 32 . The end of distribution interface 34 may be referred to herein as a root. The heating element 36 is provided at the dispensing interface ( 34) may at least partially surround the central portion. The central portion of the distribution interface 34 may be referred to herein as a trunk.

Since the reservoir 32 may contain the pre-vaporization formulation without the flavoring agent, when the vaporizer assembly 22 forms vapor 95 through vaporization of the pre-vaporization formulation by the heater 36, the vapor 95 is substantially It may be flavorless, and thus may be a "generated vapor". When there is no flavoring agent in the reservoir 32 of the vaporizer assembly 22, when the pre-vaporization formulation is vaporized by heating the pre-vaporization formulation with the heating element 36, the chemical reaction between the pre-vaporization formulation material and the flavoring agent in the reservoir 32 is reduced. It can be.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B , an additive assembly 24 is positioned between the vaporizer assembly 22 and the outlet end insert 20 . As shown in FIG. 1B, the additive assembly 24 is provided with a space between the additive assembly 24 and the vaporizer assembly 22 by at least the additive assembly 24, the vaporizer assembly 22, and the outer housing 16. 40 may be spaced from the vaporizer assembly 22 such that it is defined. As the generated steam 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22 passes through the space 40 , the generated steam 95 can be brought into fluid communication with the additive assembly 24 . In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 is positioned within space 40 such that generated steam 95 can pass through space 40 and around at least one outer surface of additive assembly 24 . .

Additive assembly 24 is configured to form flavored vapor 97 based on releasing one or more additives into generated vapor 95 passing in fluid communication with one or more portions of additive assembly 24.

Additive assembly 24 is placed in fluid communication with both vaporizer assembly 22 and outlet end insert 20 . Cartridge 70 may be configured to direct generated vapor 95 formed by vaporizer assembly 22 to exit cartridge 70 through outlet port 21 . Cartridge 70 may be further configured to direct generated steam 95 to pass toward outlet port 21 in fluid communication with additive assembly 24 . Passing in fluid communication with the additive assembly 24 may include passing at least a portion of the additive assembly 24 .

Additive assembly 24 may hold an additive and may be configured to discharge the additive into generated vapor 95 formed by vaporizer assembly 22 to form flavored vapor 97 . As described further below, in some exemplary embodiments, the additive is carbon dioxide, and the additive assembly 24 may include one or more adsorbent materials to which carbon dioxide is adsorbed. Additive assembly 24 may be configured to release an additive, which is carbon dioxide, into generated vapor 95 to form flavor vapor 97 . The additive assembly 24 may release carbon dioxide within the generated vapor 95 based on adsorption of one or more elements of the generated vapor 95 onto the adsorbent material.

As discussed further below, additive assembly 24 may include a porous structure. The porous structure may have an additive in fluid communication with at least one of the vaporizer assembly 22 and the space 40 such that generated vapor 95 may pass at least partially through the porous structure and interact with the additive retained in the porous structure. can be in fluid communication. The generated vapor 95 may act as an eluent to elute additives into the generated vapor 95 from the porous structure to form an eluent. The eluate may include generated steam 95 and additives. This eluate may be referred to as flavor vapor 97 .

In some exemplary embodiments, the additives eluted in generated vapor 95 are in the particulate phase. The particulate phase may include a liquid phase and a solid phase. In some exemplary embodiments, additives eluted in generated vapor 95 are vapor phase, gas phase, and the like. Additives may include volatile flavor materials, which may be eluted into generated vapor 95 . In some exemplary embodiments, additives eluted in generated vapor 95 include non-volatile flavor materials.

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 holds additives separately from vaporizer assembly 22, and cartridge 70 forms generated vapor 95 via additive assembly 24 to generate vapor 95. ), generated steam 95 may be cooled from its initial temperature as it forms in vaporizer assembly 22. When the generated vapor 95 passing through the additive assembly 24 is cooled from its initial temperature, the chemical reaction between the additive eluted in the generated vapor 95 and the elements of the generated vapor 95 can be at least partially relieved. .

In some exemplary embodiments, where the e-vaping device 60 includes an additive assembly 24 that holds the additive separately from the vaporizer assembly 22, the e-vaping device 60 includes the additive and vaporizer assembly (22) may be configured to reduce the probability of a chemical reaction occurring between one or more elements. Without this chemical reaction, there may be no reaction products in flavored vapor 97. These reaction products can impair the sensory experience provided by flavored vapor 97. As a result, an e-vaping device 60 configured to mitigate the probability of such a chemical reaction occurring may provide a more consistent and improved sensory experience through flavored vapor 97 .

In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent is included in an additive assembly 24 that is separate from the vaporizer assembly 22 that contains the pre-vapor formulation, so that the additives included in the e-vaping device 60 are contained in the cartridge 70 It can be replaced independently of the pre-vaporization agent within. Since additive assemblies 24 are interchangeable with other additive assemblies 24, adult vapers can interchange the additives included in the e-vaping device 60 as desired. When the vaporizer assembly 22 can contain enough pre-vaporization formulation to sustain further vaping, the additive assembly 24 can be replaced with another additive assembly 24, thus replacing the vaporizer assembly 22. Additives in the e-vaping device 60 can be replenished without having to do so.

In some exemplary implementations, one or more of the interfaces 74, 84 includes one or more of a cathode connector element and an anode connector element. In the exemplary implementation shown in FIG. 1B , for example, electrical lead 68 - 2 is coupled to interface 74 . As further shown in FIG. 1B , power section 72 includes leads 92 coupling control circuit 11 to interface 84 . When interfaces 74 and 84 are coupled together, the coupled interfaces 74 and 84 may electrically couple leads 68-2 and 92 together.

In some exemplary implementations, cartridge 70 includes connector element 91 . Connector element 91 may include one or more of a cathode connector element and an anode connector element. In the exemplary implementation shown in FIG. 1B , for example, electrical lead 68 - 1 is coupled to connector element 91 . As further shown in FIG. 1B , connector element 91 is configured to couple with power source 12 included in power section 72 . When interfaces 74 and 84 are coupled together, connector element 91 and power supply 12 may be coupled together. Coupling connector element 91 and power source 12 together may electrically couple lead 68-1 and power source 12 together.

The connector element 91 may include an insulating material 91b and a conductive material 91a. Conductive material 91a may electrically couple lead 68-1 to power source 12, and insulating material 91b may insulate conductive material 91a from interface 74 to connect lead 68-1. It is possible to reduce or prevent the probability of an electrical short occurring between the interface 74 and the interface 74 . For example, if the connector element 91 includes a cylindrical cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 60, the insulating material 91b included in the connector element 91 may ), and the conductive material 91a may be within the inner cylindrical portion of the connector element 91, so that the insulating material 91b surrounds the conductive material 91a and interfaces 74 with the conductive material 91a. ) reduces or prevents the probability of being electrically connected.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the power section 72 is directed to air drawn into the power section 72 through the air inlet port 44a adjacent to the free end or tee end of the e-vaping device 60 . It includes a responsive sensor (13), at least one power source (12), and a control circuit (11). Power source 12 may include a rechargeable battery. The sensor 13 may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, or the like.

In some example implementations, power source 12 includes a battery disposed within e-vaping device 60 such that the anode is downstream of the cathode. Connector element 91 contacts the downstream end of the battery. When interfaces 74 and 84 are coupled together, heating element 36 is connected to power source 12 by at least electrical lead 68-1 and connector element 91.

Power source 12 may be a lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, power source 12 may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. The e-vaping device 60 may be used by an adult vape until the power source 12 is depleted of energy or, in the case of a lithium polymer battery, until a minimum voltage cut-off level is achieved.

Additionally, power source 12 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be charged by an external charging device. To charge the e-vaping device 60, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used.

Once the connection between cartridge 70 and power section 72 is complete, at least one power source 12 may be electrically connected to heating element 36 of cartridge 70 when sensor 13 is activated. Air is drawn into the cartridge 70 primarily through one or more air inlet ports 44 . One or more air inlet ports 44 may be located along the outer housings 16, 17 of the first and second sections 70, 72 or at one or more mating interfaces 74, 84.

Sensor 13 may be configured to sense the air pressure drop and initiate the application of voltage from power source 12 to heating element 36 . As shown in the example implementation shown in FIG. 1B , some example implementations of power section 72 include heater operation lights 48 configured to glow when heating element 36 is activated. The heater operating light 48 may include a light emitting diode (LED). Additionally, the heater operating light 48 may be positioned so as to be visible to an adult vaporizer while vaping. Additionally, the heater operating light 48 can be used for diagnostics of the e-vaping system, or to indicate that refilling is in progress. The heater operating light 48 may be configured such that an adult vapor can activate, deactivate, or activate and deactivate the heater operating light 48 for privacy. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , a heater operating light 48 may be positioned at the tip end of the e-vaping device 60 . In some exemplary implementations, the heater operating light 48 may be located on the side of the outer housing 17 .

Additionally, at least one air inlet port 44a may be positioned adjacent to sensor 13 so that sensor 13 detects air flow indicating that vapor is being drawn through the outlet end of the e-vaping device. can do. Sensor 13 may activate power source 12 and heater operating light 48 to indicate that heating element 36 has been activated.

Control circuit 11 may also control power supply to heating element 36 in response to sensor 13 . In some example implementations, control circuit 11 may include a maximum time-period limiter. In some exemplary implementations, the control circuit 11 may include a manually operated switch that allows an adult vape to manually initiate vaping. A time limit for supplying current to the heating element 36 may be preset according to the amount of pre-vaporization agent to be vaporized. In some exemplary implementations, control circuit 11 may control power supply to heating element 36 while sensor 13 detects a pressure drop.

To control the power supply to heating element 36, control circuit 11 may execute one or more instances of computer executable program code. The control circuit 11 may include a processor and memory. The memory may be a computer readable storage medium that stores computer executable code.

The control circuit 11 includes a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic processing circuitry including, but not limited to, a unit, microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing commands in a defined manner. In some example implementations, the control circuit 11 may be at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an ASIC chip.

The control circuit 11 may be configured as a special purpose machine that executes computer readable program code stored in a storage device. Program code may include at least one of a program or computer readable instructions, software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, etc., exemplified by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more of the control circuits described above. there is. Examples of program code include both machine code generated by a compiler and higher level program code executed using an interpreter.

The control circuit 11 may include one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices may be random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), permanent mass storage (such as a disk drive), solid state secondary storage (eg, NAND flash), or to store and write data. may be a tangible or non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as any other similar data storage mechanism capable of One or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof for one or more operating systems, for implementing example implementations described herein, or both. Computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof may also be loaded into one or more storage devices, one or more computer processing devices, or both from a separate computer-readable storage medium using a drive mechanism. Such a separate computer-readable storage medium may include at least one of a USB flash drive, memory stick, Blu-ray/DVD/CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other similar computer-readable storage medium. Computer programs, program codes, instructions, or combinations thereof may be loaded onto one or more storage devices, one or more computer processing devices, or both from a remote data storage device via a network interface rather than via a local computer readable storage medium. In addition, the computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof may be transmitted, distributed, or configured to be transmitted and distributed over a network from one or more storage devices, one or more storage devices, or a remote computing system configured to transmit and distribute the computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof. It can be loaded into the processor or both. A remote computing system may transmit, distribute, or transmit and distribute computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof over at least one of a wired interface, a wireless interface, or any other similar medium.

Control circuit 11 may be a special purpose machine configured to execute computer executable code to control the power supply to heating element 36 . Controlling the power supply to heating element 36 may be referred to herein interchangeably with activating heating element 36 .

Still referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B , when heating element 36 is activated, heating element 36 may heat a portion of dispensing interface 34 surrounded by heating element 36 for less than about 10 seconds. . Thus, the power cycle (or maximum vaping time) is between about 2 seconds and about 10 seconds (eg, between about 3 seconds and about 9 seconds, between about 4 seconds and about 8 seconds, or between about 5 seconds and about 7 seconds) duration. may be in the range of

A pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted to vapor. For example, pre-vaporization formulations may include liquids, solids, including but not limited to water, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, vapor formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. or at least one of a gel formulation.

In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-vaporization agent is one or more of propylene glycol, glycerin, and combinations thereof.

The pre-vaporization formulation may include nicotine or may exclude nicotine. The pre-vaporization formulation may include one or more tobacco flavorings. The pre-vaporization formulation may include one or more flavors apart from the one or more tobacco flavors.

In some exemplary embodiments, pre-vaporization formulations that include nicotine may include one or more acids. The at least one acid is pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconite acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

In some exemplary embodiments, generated vapor 95 formed in vaporizer assembly 22 may be substantially free of one or more materials that are in the gas phase. For example, generated steam 95 may include one or more materials that are substantially in the particulate phase and are not substantially gaseous.

The storage medium of the reservoir 32 may be a fibrous material including at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The fibers can have diameters ranging in size from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (eg, from about 8 microns to about 12 microns, or from about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous or foam-like material. Further, the fibers may be of non-inhalable size and may have a cross section that is Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In some exemplary embodiments, reservoir 32 may comprise a filled tank containing only the pre-vaporization agent without any storage medium.

Reservoir 32 may be configured and sized to hold enough pre-vapor formulation to allow vaping with e-vaping device 60 for at least about 200 seconds. The E-vaping device 60 may be configured to sustain each vaping for up to about 5 seconds.

Dispensing interface 34 may include a wick. The dispensing interface 34 may include a filament (or thread) capable of drawing the pre-vaporization formulation. For example, the dispensing interface 34 may be a wick, such as a bundle comprising a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments and a group of wound glass filaments, all through capillary action by interstitial spaces between the filaments. It is arranged so that it can aspirate the preparation before vaporization. The filaments may be roughly aligned in a direction (transverse direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device 60 . In some example implementations, the dispensing interface 34 can include between 1 and 8 filament strands, each strand including a plurality of glass filaments twisted together. The ends of dispensing interface 34 may be flexible and may be folded into confines of reservoir 32 . The filaments may have a generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable cross-section.

Dispensing interface 34 may include any suitable material or combination of materials, also referred to herein as a wicking material. Examples of suitable materials may be, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic-based, or graphite-based materials. Dispensing interface 34 may have any suitable capillary suction action to accommodate pre-vaporization formulations having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure.

In some exemplary implementations, the heating element 36 may include a coil of wire that at least partially surrounds the distribution interface 34 of the vaporizer assembly 22 . The wire may be a metal wire. The coil of wire may extend completely or partially along the length of the distribution interface. The coil of wire may further extend completely or partially around the circumference of the distribution interface 34 . In some example implementations, the coil of wire can be separated so that it does not come into direct contact with the distribution interface 34 .

Heating element 36 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys are stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminium-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron-containing alloys, and nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless including, but not limited to, steel-based superalloys. For example, the heating element 36 may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material having an alumina layer on the surface, iron aluminide and other composite materials, the electrically resistive material being suitable for the required external physicochemical properties and energy transfer kinetics. It may optionally be embedded in an insulating material, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa. The heating element 36 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary implementations, heating element 36 may be formed from a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In some exemplary implementations, heating element 36 may be a ceramic heater having an electrical resistance layer on its outer surface.

Heating element 36 may heat the pre-vaporization formulation in dispensing interface 34 by heat conduction. Alternatively, heat is conducted from the heating element 36 to the pre-vapor formulation by a thermally conductive element, or the heating element 36 heats the incoming ambient air drawn through the e-vaping device 60 during vaping. , which in turn heats the pre-vaporization formulation by convection.

Instead of using distribution interface 34, vaporizer assembly 22 may include heater 36, which is a porous material formed of a material with high electrical resistance and includes a resistive heater capable of generating heat quickly. should understand

In some exemplary implementations, cartridge 70 may be interchangeable. That is, when either the flavoring agent or the pre-vaporization agent in the cartridge is exhausted, only the cartridge 70 can be replaced. In some exemplary embodiments, the entire e-vaping device 60 may be discarded when either the reservoir 32 or the additive assembly 24 is depleted.

In some exemplary implementations, the e-vaping device 60 may be about 80 mm to about 110 mm in length and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter. For example, in some example implementations, the e-vaping device 60 may be about 84 mm long and have a diameter of about 7.8 mm.

As used herein, the term "additive" is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds capable of providing a sensory experience to an adult vapor when included in the generated vapor. Additives may include flavoring agents. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive may include carbon dioxide.

As used herein, the term “flavorant” is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds capable of providing at least one flavor and fragrance to an adult vapor. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent is configured to interact with a sensory receptor that can be activated via either the anterior nasal (orthonasal) or retronasal pathways of activation. A flavoring agent may include one or more volatile flavoring substances.

The at least one flavor may include one or more of a natural flavor or an artificial ("synthetic") flavor. One or more flavoring agents may include one or more plant extracts. In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one flavoring agent is one or more of tobacco flavoring, menthol, wintergreen, mint, herbal flavoring, fruit flavoring, nut flavoring, liquor flavoring, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent is included in the botanical material. Botanical material may include material from one or more plants. Botanical materials may include one or more herbs, spices, fruits, roots, leaves, grasses, and the like. For example, the botanical material may include orange peel material and sweetgrass material. In another example, the botanical material may include tobacco material.

In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may include material derived from any member of the genus Nicotiana . In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material comprises a blend of two or more different tobacco varieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco material that may be used are flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty cigarettes, blends thereof, and the like. Tobacco material may include tobacco flakes, processed tobacco material such as volume expanded or puffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems such as cut-rolled stems or cut-puffed stems, recombinant tobacco material, and blends thereof, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of a substantially dry tobacco mass.

2A is a plan view of an additive assembly 24 according to some exemplary embodiments. 2B is a plan view of an additive assembly 24 according to some exemplary embodiments. 2C is a plan view of an additive assembly 24 according to some exemplary embodiments. 2D is a plan view of an additive assembly 24 according to some exemplary embodiments. Each of the exemplary embodiments of the additive assembly 24 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D includes any of the embodiments included herein, including the additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 1B. may be included in the implementation.

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 includes one or more adsorbent materials to which carbon dioxide is adsorbed. Additive assembly 24 may be configured to release carbon dioxide within generated vapor 95 to form flavor vapor 97 based on adsorption of one or more elements of generated vapor 95 onto the adsorbent material. The adsorbent material may include one or more of a single crystal material and a plurality of adsorbent material structures. Since the adsorbent material structure may include a bead structure, the plurality of adsorbent material structures may include a plurality of adsorbent beads.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , for example, additive assembly 24 each includes a plurality of adsorptive material beads 202 onto which carbon dioxide 210 is adsorbed. Additive assembly 24 may include one or more adsorbent materials configured to adsorb carbon dioxide. For example, the one or more beads of adsorbent material 202 may include at least one of zeolite, silica, activated carbon, and molecular sieves.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , additive assembly 24 elutes at least a portion of carbon dioxide 210 into generated vapor 95 to form flavor vapor 97 via plurality of beads 202 . It may be configured to induce generated steam 95 . Carbon dioxide 210 may be eluted into generated vapor 95 based on the desorption of carbon dioxide 210 from one or more of the beads of adsorbent material 202 . Carbon dioxide 210 may be desorbed from the adsorbent material bead 202 based on adsorption of one or more elements of generated vapor 95 to the adsorbent material of the bead 202 such that the carbon dioxide 210 is removed from the adsorbent material.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , carbon dioxide 210 is shown adsorbed on the surface outside of the adsorbent material beads 202 . It will be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, carbon dioxide 210 may be distributed at least partially throughout the interior of one or more adsorbent materials including one or more beads of adsorbent material 202 . The carbon dioxide 210 may be adsorbed on the interior surface of the adsorbent material, including one or more internal pore surfaces, and distributed within the interior of the adsorbent material. In some exemplary embodiments, carbon dioxide 210 is adsorbed on both one or more outer surfaces of the adsorbent material, including one or more outer pore surfaces, and one or more inner surfaces, including one or more inner pore surfaces. Thus, carbon dioxide 210 may be distributed throughout at least a portion of the interior of the adsorbent material in addition to being present on the outer surface of the adsorbent material.

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 at least partially encloses one or more adsorbent material structures within a containment structure. The enclosure structure may be configured to hold one or more adsorbent material structures within a fixed volume. The enclosure structure may include one or more openings and may be configured to direct generated vapor 95 through the interior of the enclosure structure in fluid communication with the one or more adsorbent material structures.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , for example, the additive assembly 24 includes an enclosure structure 201 that at least partially surrounds a bead of adsorbent material 202 . Enclosure structure 201 includes apertures 212 and 214 and is configured to direct generated vapor 95 through aperture 212 to elute carbon dioxide 210 into generated vapor 95 . Enclosure structure 201 may direct flavored vapor 97 out of additive assembly 24 through opening 214 . In some example implementations, enclosure structure 201 at least partially includes a mesh structure. For example, the enclosure structure 201 may include a mesh structure covering at least one of the openings 212 and 214 . Since the mesh structure is at least partially permeable, the mesh structure is configured to direct vapors 95 and 97 across the mesh and at least restrict the adsorbent material beads 202 from passing through one or more of the openings 212 and 214. do.

In some exemplary embodiments, the additive assembly 24 includes one or more flavor materials with one or more flavoring agents. The one or more flavor materials may release one or more flavor agents within the generated vapor 95 when the generated vapor 95 passes in fluid communication with the flavor material.

Additive assembly 24 comprising adsorbent material and flavoring material may be configured to release both carbon dioxide and one or more flavoring agents into generated vapor 95 to form flavor vapor 97 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , for example, additive assembly 24 includes flavoring materials 204 and 206 in addition to adsorptive material beads 202 .

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , flavor ingredients can have one or more of a variety of shapes. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2A , flavor material 204 is a “shredded” material having a fiber shape. The flavor material 204 extends between the adsorbent material beads 202 throughout the interior of the additive assembly 24 . In another example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2B , the flavoring material 206 is a bead-shaped material that is packed together with the adsorbent material beads 202 to form the additive assembly 24 . In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the flavor materials 204, 206 included in the additive assembly include at least one botanical material, and the at least one botanical material includes a flavoring agent.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B , the additive assembly 24 each comprises a uniform or substantially uniform mixture consisting of at least one of the flavor materials 204 and 206 and the adsorbent material beads 202 . . For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2B shown, the adsorbent material beads 202 and the flavor material beads 206 are substantially uniformly mixed.

In some exemplary embodiments, the mixture of adsorbent material and flavoring material in additive assembly 24 may be a non-uniform mixture. For example, the concentration of flavor material in additive assembly 24 may be higher closer to aperture 214 compared to aperture 212 . As a result, generated vapor 95 passing through and in fluid communication with the flavor material may include carbon dioxide released from adsorbent material beads 202 closer to aperture 212 than aperture 214 .

In some exemplary embodiments, the adsorbent material included in the additive assembly 24 may be configured to generate heat based on one or more elements of the generated vapor 95 being adsorbed to the adsorbent material, such that the adsorbent material is generated vapor. At least one element of (95) is configured to release both carbon dioxide and heat when adsorbed on the adsorbent material. For example, the adsorbent material bead 202 is dependent on one or more elements of the generated vapor 95 being adsorbed on the adsorbent material bead 202 to remove at least some of the carbon dioxide 210 from the adsorbent material bead 202. based on which heat can be released.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more flavor materials included in additive assembly 24 are configured to absorb heat generated by an adsorbent material included in additive assembly 24 . As the flavor material is eluted into the generated vapor 95 based on the temperature increase of the flavor material, a greater amount of the flavor material may be released. When the flavor material absorbs the heat generated by the adsorbent material within the additive assembly 24, the flavor material may release a relatively larger amount of flavor into the generated vapor 95 compared to the unheated flavor material. there is.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the additive assembly 24 can improve the elution of the flavorant into the product vapor 95 based on the elution of the carbon dioxide 210 into the product vapor 95. is configured so that Additive material beads 202 included in additive assembly 24 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are configured to generate heat based on adsorbing compounds within vapor 95 . The generated heat can be absorbed by the flavor ingredients 204 and 206 to heat the flavor ingredients 204 and 206 . The flavoring agent may be eluted from the flavoring materials 204, 206 into generated vapor 95 passing through it in fluid communication with the additive assembly 24. Elution of the flavorant in the generated vapor 95 is relative to the additive assembly 24 without the adsorbent material beads 202, based on the absorption of heat generated by the adsorbent material by the flavor materials 204 and 206. can be improved by

Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D , in some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 may include one or more structures that include at least one of an adsorbent material and a flavor material. Such one or more structures may be porous structures comprising at least one of one or more flavoring agents and adsorbed carbon dioxide. The one or more structures may be configured to release at least one of the one or more flavorants and carbon dioxide within the generated vapor 95 when the generated vapor 95 flows in fluid communication with the one or more structures.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2C , the additive assembly 24 includes a structure 220 configured to release at least carbon dioxide into generated steam 95 flowing in fluid communication with the structure 220 . do. Structure 220 may be a porous structure configured to direct generated steam 95 to flow through the interior of structure 220 . Carbon dioxide may be adsorbed on at least a part of the internal structure of the structure 220 . Carbon dioxide may be desorbed from the internal structure of structure 220 based on adsorption of one or more elements of generated vapor 95 to the internal structure of structure 220 .

In some exemplary embodiments, structure 220 may retain one or more flavoring agents within the internal structure of structure 220 . Structure 220 may be configured to elute one or more flavorants within generated vapor 95 flowing through the internal structure of structure 220 .

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 may include multiple structures 220 . A separate structure 220 may include a different one of an adsorbent material to retain adsorbed carbon dioxide and a flavor material to retain one or more flavoring agents. For example, additive assembly 24 may include a first structure 220 proximal to vaporizer assembly 22 and a second structure 220 distal to vaporizer assembly 22 . The first structure 220 may include an adsorbent material into which carbon dioxide is adsorbed, and the second structure 220 may include a flavor material containing one or more flavoring agents. The generated vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 95 first flows in fluid communication with the first structure 220 to elute carbon dioxide from the first structure 220 and to the adsorbent material contained in the first structure 220. may have heat generated by Then, the generated steam 95 flows while in fluid communication with the second structure 220, and can transfer the heat it has to the second structure 220. The generated steam 95 may elute one or more flavor agents from the second structure 220 , wherein elution of the flavor agents is based at least in part on heat transferred to the second structure 220 .

In some exemplary implementations, structure 220 may be configured to release one or more of the one or more flavorants and carbon dioxide into generated vapor 95 flowing in fluid communication with an exterior surface of structure 220 . For example, structure 220 may be configured to direct generated steam 95 to flow around one or more outer surfaces of structure 220 . Structure 220 may include at least one of carbon dioxide adsorbed to an external surface and one or more flavoring agents capable of eluting through the external surface.

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 may include structure 220 that includes one or more internal passageways through which generated steam 95 may flow. At least one of the one or more flavoring agents and carbon dioxide may be released into generated vapor 95 through one or more passageways. In the example implementation shown in FIG. 2D , for example, structure 220 defines an interior passageway 240 having openings 242 and 244 . Structure 220 shown in FIG. 2D may be configured to direct generated steam 95 to enter passage 240 through aperture 242 and exit passage 240 through aperture 244. there is.

In some exemplary embodiments, a portion of structure 220 defining interior surface 241 of passageway 240 may include an adsorbent material to which carbon dioxide may be adsorbed. Structure 220 forms passage 240 based on adsorption of one or more elements of generated vapor 95 onto one or more portions of structure 220 defining interior surface 241 of passage 240 . It may be configured to form flavored steam 97 by desorbing carbon dioxide in the generated steam 95 passing therethrough.

In some exemplary embodiments, a portion of structure 220 defining interior surface 241 of passageway 240 may include a flavoring material having one or more flavoring agents. Structure 220 may be configured to release one or more flavorants into generated vapor 95 passing through passageway 240 to form flavored vapor 97 .

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 may include multiple adsorbent materials. In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 may include multiple passages 240 . In some demonstrative embodiments, at least one of the passageways 240 may include one or more adsorbent materials configured to adsorb carbon dioxide, and at least one of the passageways 240 may include one or more flavor materials configured to retain one or more flavoring agents. can include

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing that the adsorbent material and the flavor material contained in the additive assembly release carbon dioxide in the generated vapor to form flavor vapor. The exemplary implementation of additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 3 can be included in any of the implementations included herein, including the additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 1B .

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 includes at least one adsorbent material 303 and at least one flavor material 305 . In the exemplary implementation shown in FIG. 3 , the adsorbent material 303 includes a plurality of beads 202 of adsorbent material. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the adsorbent material 303 includes carbon dioxide 306 adsorbed on one or more outer and inner pore surfaces of the adsorbent material beads 202 . The flavor material 305 includes one or more flavor material beads 206 holding at least the flavoring agent 312 . In some exemplary embodiments, one or more flavoring agents 312 are retained within the inner and inner pore surfaces of the flavor material beads 206 . The desorption pathway, adsorption pathway, elimination pathway, or some combination thereof associated with the adsorbent material may include steps that occur at the molecular level at the adsorption site of the adsorbent material.

The exemplary implementation shown in FIG. 3 is that the adsorbent material 303 is closer to the source of generated vapor (e.g., vaporizer assembly 22 and space 40 shown in FIG. 1B) than the flavor material 305. Show more that you are close. However, it will be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 may include a uniform or substantially uniform mixture of adsorbent material 303 and flavoring material 305 .

Additive assembly 24 flows in fluid communication with adsorbent material 303 based at least in part on one or more elements of generated vapor 95 being adsorbed on one or more structures of adsorbent material 303 to desorb carbon dioxide. It may be configured to release carbon dioxide 306 in generated steam 95 . The adsorbent material 303 may further generate and release heat 310 based on one or more elements of the generated vapor 95 being adsorbed on one or more structures of the adsorbent material 303 to desorb carbon dioxide. One or more elements or compounds in vapor 95 may be adsorbed to an adsorbent based on the relative binding energy of the one or more elements or compounds, the relative affinity of the one or more elements or compounds for one or more specific adsorbents, or both. can

As shown in FIG. 3, generated vapor 95 is produced by the adsorption of one or more elements 302 of generated vapor 95 onto adsorbent material beads 202 (304) from adsorbent material beads 202 to carbon dioxide ( can flow in fluid communication with the adsorbent material beads 202 to desorb 308 at least a portion of 306 . Carbon dioxide 306 may be desorbed based on being removed from adsorbent material beads 202 by one or more elements 302 of generated vapor 95 . One or more components 302 of generated vapor 95 may include at least one of water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and one or more pre-vaporization agents. The pre-vaporization agent may include at least one of glycerin and propylene glycol.

As shown in FIG. 3 , desorbed 308 carbon dioxide 306 may be eluted into generated vapor 95 to form modified vapor 96 . Reformed steam 96 includes at least a portion of one or more components 302 of generated steam 95 and desorbed carbon dioxide 306 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the desorbent material 303, in addition to releasing carbon dioxide 306 via desorption 308, one or more elements 302 of the generated vapor 95 is coupled to the adsorbent material beads 202 ) can generate heat 310 based on being adsorbed on. Heat 310 may be absorbed by one or more of flavor material beads 206 included in flavor material 305 . Heat may be transferred to the flavor material 305 through one or more of conduction, convection, and radiation. For example, if the flavor material beads 206 and the adsorbent material beads 202 are in physical contact, heat 310 generated can be transferred from the adsorbent material beads 202 to the flavor material beads 206 by conduction. . In another example, heat 310 may be transferred to at least some of the flavor material beads 206 by reformed steam 96 via convection. In some exemplary embodiments, heat generated within the system may facilitate (enable) greater amounts of reformed vapor 96 to be released. Some flavorants may be delivered to stream 96 via an elution-type mechanism/entrainment-type mechanism (eg, a concentration center mechanism between the flavor carrier and the passing vapor, a concentration gradient, or both). This transfer can occur even in the absence of heat generation and adsorption of the flavor material 305 in the adsorbent material beads 202 .

Flavor material 305 included in additive assembly 24 is in fluid communication with flavor material 305 based at least in part on the flavor material absorbing heat 310 generated by beads 202 of adsorbent material. may be configured to release one or more flavoring agents into flowing steam. Based on the flavor material 305 and the adsorbent material beads 202, the additive assembly 24 may be configured to form a flavor vapor 97 comprising both one or more flavoring agents and carbon dioxide.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the flavor material beads 206 release one or more flavorants 312 based at least in part on absorbing at least a portion of the heat 310 generated by the adsorbent material beads 202 . can do. At least one of the proportion of flavoring agent 312 released by flavoring material 305 and the amount of flavoring agent 312 released by flavoring material 305 is the heat absorbed by flavoring material 305 (310). may vary in direct proportion to the amount of As a result, the flavor material 305 absorbs heat 310 from the adsorbent material beads 202 when the flavor material 305 absorbs heat 310, and in the absence of such heat 310 absorption, the flavor material 305 becomes vapor 95 . Thus, elution of flavor agent 312 from flavor material 305 may be increased as flavor material 305 absorbs heat 310 generated by adsorbent material beads 202 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , when flavorant 312 is released from flavor material 206 into reformed vapor 96, flavorant 312 mixes with reformed vapor 96 to form flavor vapor 97. ) can be formed. Flavor vapor 97 may include one or more generated vapor elements 302 , carbon dioxide 310 released from adsorbent material 303 , and flavor agent 312 released from flavor material 305 . Flavored vapor 97 may exit the additive assembly 24 .

4 is a cross-sectional view of an additive assembly module and a vaporizer assembly module according to some example embodiments. The cartridge 70 shown in FIG. 4 may be included in any of the implementations included herein, including the cartridge 70 of the e-vaping device 60 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. . In some example implementations, the cartridge 70 shown in FIG. 4 can be combined with the power section 72 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to form an e-vaping device 60 .

In some exemplary implementations, cartridge 70 may include multiple modules that are coupled together to form a cartridge to provide flavored vapor. The additive assembly may be included in an additive assembly module. The additive assembly module may be configured to be removably coupled to the vaporizer assembly module. The vaporizer assembly module may include a vaporizer assembly. The additive assembly module can be separated from the vaporizer assembly module and can be interchanged with different additive assembly modules and the like. Different additive assembly modules may include different additive assemblies, different flavoring agents, different adsorbent materials, different flavoring materials, different additive assembly structures, and some combinations thereof, and the like. Different additive assemblies may be configured to form different flavor vapors, reforming vapors, and some combinations thereof, etc. combined with different mixtures of generated vapors, such as one or more flavors, carbon dioxide, and some combinations thereof. As a result, exchanging the different additive assemblies within the cartridge allows the adult vaporizer to exchange one or more flavors associated with the flavored vapors provided to the adult vaporizer during vaping, as well as adsorbent material, etc. independently of exchanging the entire cartridge, , can enhance the adult vaporizer's sensory experience during vaping.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the cartridge 70 may include an additive assembly module 410 and a vaporizer assembly module 420 . Modules 410 and 420 may be coupled together via complementarity interfaces 414 and 424 , respectively. It will be appreciated that interfaces 414 and 424 may include any type of interface described herein. Each module 410, 420 may include a respective housing 411, 421.

Vaporizer assembly module 420 may include vaporizer assembly 22 within housing 421 . The vaporizer assembly 22 shown in FIG. 4 may be the vaporizer assembly 22 shown in FIG. 1B.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the interface 424 of the module 420 may include a conduit 426 such that the vaporizer assembly 22 retained within the housing 421 of the module 420 is maintained in fluid communication with the outside of the Vaporizer assembly module 420 may include a cartridge interface 74 at one end distal from interface 424 . Cartridge interface 74 may be configured to electrically couple vaporizer assembly 22 with a power source contained in a separate power section of the e-vaping device.

Additionally, the assembly module 410 may include an additive assembly 24 within a housing 411 . The additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 4 may be the additive assembly 24 shown in any one of FIGS. 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , interface 414 of module 410 may include conduit 416 . The conduit 416 may extend between the interface 414 and the interior of the housing 411 such that the additive assembly 24 retained within the housing 411 of the module 410 passes through the conduit 416 to the module 410. ) is maintained in fluid communication with the outside of the The interior of housing 411 may be referred to herein as an additive assembly compartment 413 . The additive assembly module 410 may include an outlet end insert 20 at the outlet end of the module 410 and a set of one or more outlet ports 21 within the outlet end insert 20 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , when modules 410 and 420 are coupled via interfaces 414 and 424 , modules 410 and 420 may form a cartridge 70 , which cartridge has an outlet end at an outlet end. It includes an insert (20) and an interface (74) at the tip end. The cartridge 70 is maintained in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly 22 via a conduit comprising at least one of the coupled conduits 416 , 426 of the coupled interfaces 414 , 424 . ) may be further included. For example, in some exemplary implementations, additive assembly 24 remains in fluid communication with vaporizer assembly 22 via conduit 416 when interfaces 414 and 424 are coupled together. The cartridge 70 may further include an additive assembly 24 in fluid communication with the outlet port 21 such that generated vapor generated by the vaporizer assembly 22 passes through the additive assembly 24 to the outlet port 21. It can go out of the cartridge 70 along a path extended to . The additive assembly compartment 413 in the housing 411 can direct generated steam contained in the additive assembly compartment 413 to pass through the additive assembly 24 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , additive assembly module 410 can be configured to limit fluid communication through module 410 so that fluid communication through additive assembly 24 is such that generated vapor is vaporized by vaporizer assembly 22 . ) to the outlet port 21 of the cartridge 70 formed from ) is limited to passing through the additive assembly 24 . Housing 411 of module 410 may be sized to physically contact an outer surface of additive assembly 24 .

In some exemplary embodiments, cartridge 70 includes an opening through which additive assembly 24 can be inserted into and removed from module 410 . Cartridge 70 is placed inside module 410, such that additive assembly 24 selectively seals module 410 against the external environment based on the additive assembly 24 being inserted inside module 410. It may include a hatch (not shown) operable to selectively expose or seal it to the outside environment.

Additive assembly module 410 may be configured to be removably coupled with module 420 so that additive assembly module 410 may be interchanged from module 420 .

5 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of additive assembly modules and a vaporizer assembly module according to some example embodiments. The cartridge 70 shown in FIG. 5 may be included in any of the implementations included herein, including the cartridge 70 of the e-vaping device 60 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. . In some example implementations, the cartridge 70 shown in FIG. 5 can be combined with the power section 72 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to form an e-vaping device 60 .

In some exemplary implementations, cartridge 70 may include multiple modules that are coupled together to form a cartridge to provide flavored vapor. The plurality of modules may include a plurality of separate additive assembly modules each including a separate additive assembly. The plurality of separate additive assembly modules may be coupled together to provide flavored steam based upon the generated steam passing through each of the separate additive assembly modules. Since the separate additive assembly modules can be detachably coupled together, the adult vaporizer can adjust the flavor, gas, etc. included in the flavored vapor formed by the additive assembly included in the cartridge 70 by exchanging the additive assembly module. .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the cartridge 70 may include additive assembly modules 510-1 to 510-N and a vaporizer assembly module 420. As shown, in some exemplary implementations, cartridge 70 includes an outlet end insert module 520 . Modules 420, 510-1 through 510-N, and 520 may be coupled together via complementary interfaces 424, 514-1 through 514-N, 516-1 through 516-N, and 524. It will be appreciated that the interface may include any type of interface described herein. Each module 420, 510-1 to 510-N, and 520 may include a respective housing 421, 511-1 to 511-N, and 521.

The additive assembly modules 510-1 to 510-N may include separate additive assemblies 25-1 to 25-N in their respective additive assembly compartments 513-1 to 513-N. Compartments 513-1 through 513-N may be at least partially defined by respective housings 411-1 through 411-N. Each of the additive assemblies 25-1 to 25-N shown in FIG. 5 may be the additive assembly 24 shown in any one of FIGS. 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3 .

As shown in Figure 5, additive assembly modules 510-1 through 510-N include respective interface pairs 514-1, 516-1 through 514-N, and 516-N at opposite ends. Interfaces 514-1 through 514-N may be interchangeably and removably coupled to any one of interfaces 516-1 through 516-N. One or more of interfaces 516-1 through 516-N may be interchangeably and removably coupled to interface 525 of module 520. One or more of interfaces 514-1 through 514-N may be interchangeably and removably coupled to interface 424 of module 420. As a result, modules 510-1 through 510-N may be interchangeably and removably coupled together in one or more of a variety of combinations and configurations.

Each of the additive assembly module interfaces 514-1 to 514-N may include a conduit 515-1 to 515-N, respectively, and each of the additive assembly module interfaces 516-1 to 516-N may include a conduit 517 -1 to 517-N), each of the additive assemblies 25-1 to 25-N held in the housing of each module 510-1 to 510-N is It is maintained in fluid communication with the exterior of each module 510-1 through 510-N through conduits 514-1, 516-1 through 514-N, 516-N of 510-N.

4, when modules 420, 510-1 to 510-N, and 520 are coupled together, modules 420, 510-1 to 510-N, and 520 form cartridge 70. The cartridge may include an outlet end insert 20 at the outlet end and an interface 74 at the tip end. Cartridge 70 is coupled to mated conduits 426, 515-1 through 515-N, 517-N, 515-1 through 514-N, 516-1 through 516-N, and 524, respectively. 1 to 517-N, 525) may further include an additive assembly 25-1 to 25-N maintained in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly 22 through one or more sets of conduits including at least one of 525). .

6A is a cross-sectional view of an additive assembly 24 that includes multiple additive structures according to some example embodiments. The additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 6A may be included in any of the embodiments included herein, including the additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 1B.

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 includes multiple additive structures 604-1 through 604-N. The additive assembly 24 may include a configuration comprising a plurality of additive structures 604-1 through 604-N that jointly define one or more passageways through the additive assembly 24. The additive assembly 24 is such that generated steam 95 passing through one or more of the passageways 602-1 through 602-N flows in fluid communication with one or more surfaces of the additive assemblies 604-1 through 604-N, It may be configured to induce generated steam.

As shown in FIG. 6A , additive assembly 24 includes additive structures 604-1 through 604-N. Each of the additive structures 604-1 to 604-N may include at least one of an adsorption material and a flavor material. Different additive structures may include different materials. For example, the additive structure 604-1 may include an adsorbent material to which carbon dioxide is adsorbed, and the additive structure 604-N may include a flavor material containing at least one flavoring agent.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the additive structures 604-1 through 604-N restricts generated steam 95 to flow along an outer surface of each of the one or more additive structures 604-1 through 604-N. It is a single crystal structure that

As further shown in FIG. 6A , in one configuration the additive structures 604-1 through 604-N may be configured such that the additive structures 604-1 through 604-N pass through the additive assembly 24 at one or more passages 602. -1 to 602-N) may be positioned within the additive assembly 24 to at least partially define. Additive assembly 24, shown in FIG. 6A, generates steam 95 entering additive assembly 24 such that generated steam 95 flows in fluid communication with the outer surface of at least one of additive structures 604-1 through 604-N. The generated steam may be directed so that steam 95 flows through at least one of the passages 602-1 through 602-N.

Additive assembly 24 based on directing generated steam 95 to flow through one or more passageways while at least a portion of generated steam 95 is in fluid communication with an outer surface of one or more additive structures 604-1 through 604-N. may improve the release of at least one of the flavoring agent and carbon dioxide into generated steam 95. For example, an additive assembly based on including a plurality of additive structures 604-1 through 604-N configured to define a plurality of passageways 602-1 through 602-N through the additive assembly 24. 24 may include a relatively larger external surface area of the additive structure compared to an additive assembly 24 that includes individual additive structures 604-1. Based on including this increased external surface area, the additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 6A provides one or more generated vapors 95 flowing in fluid communication with one or more additive structures 604-1 through 604-N. Additives can be configured to improve release.

6B is a cross-sectional view of an additive assembly 24 that includes multiple additive structures 652-1 through 652-2 and 654 according to some example embodiments. The additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 6B may be included in any of the embodiments included herein, including the additive assembly 24 shown in FIG. 1B.

In some exemplary embodiments, additive assembly 24 may include a configuration comprised of multiple additive structures that jointly define one or more passageways through additive assembly 24 . The one or more passages may include portions having different orientations. Vapor flowing through one or more passages may be redirected based on flowing through differently oriented passage portions. When the steam flows from a first passageway having a first orientation to another passageway having a different orientation, the steam may impinge on the outer surface of the additive structure. Based on the impact, the release of the additive from the additive structure can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 6B , additive assembly 24 includes a configuration of additive structures 652-1 to 652-2, and 654 that jointly define a passageway 606 passing through additive assembly 24. do. Passageway 606 includes a portion having portions 608-1 and 608-2.

Additive structures 652 - 1 - 652 - 2 define a first portion 608 - 1 of passage 606 through additive assembly 24 . A first portion 608 - 1 of the passageway 606 is oriented to extend parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the additive assembly 24 .

Additive structures 652-1 through 652-2, and 654 at least partially define portion 608-2 of passageway 606. Portion 608 - 2 is oriented to extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of additive assembly 24 . As shown, first portion 608 - 1 of passageway 606 extends orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to outer surface 656 of additive structure 654 .

Based on the orientation of portions 608-1 and 608-2 of passage 606, generated steam 95 flowing through passage 606 from portion 608-1 to one of portion 608-2 is It may collide with the outer surface 656 of the additive structure 654 .

In some exemplary embodiments, the additive structure 654 causes at least a portion of the generated steam 95 to impinge such that the generated steam 95 flows in fluid communication with one or more outer surfaces 656 of the additive structure 654. may divert the impinging generated steam to flow through portion 608-2 of passage 606. Based on the impact of the generated steam 95 with the outer surface 656 of the additive structure 654, the release of the additive within the generated steam from the additive structure 654 to form flavored steam 97a can be improved. .

In some exemplary embodiments, additive structure 654 is a porous structure, such that at least a portion of generated steam 95 impinging on surface 656 can flow through additive structure 654 to form flavored steam 97b. there is.

Although a number of exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such modifications are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (23)

A cartridge for an electronic vaping device (EVD), comprising:
a vaporizer assembly configured to form generated steam; and
An additive assembly in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly, the additive assembly comprising:
An adsorbent material comprising adsorbed carbon dioxide, configured to release the carbon dioxide in the generated vapor based on at least a portion of the generated vapor being adsorbed on the adsorbent material, wherein the generated vapor is adsorbed on the adsorbent material. and an adsorbent material further configured to generate heat by generating heat. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is a plurality of absorbent beads. 3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the adsorbent material comprises at least one of zeolite, silica, activated carbon, and molecular sieves. According to claim 1 or 2,
the adsorbent material is configured to generate heat based on adsorption of at least a portion of the generated vapor to the adsorbent material; and
wherein the additive assembly comprises a flavor material comprising a flavoring agent, wherein the flavoring material is configured to release the flavoring agent into the generated vapor based at least in part on absorbing heat generated by the adsorbent material. cartridge. 5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the flavor material comprises a plurality of beads, each of said beads comprising at least one flavoring agent. 5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the flavor material comprises at least one botanical substance, and wherein the at least one botanical substance comprises the at least one flavor agent. As an e-vaping device:
a vaporizer assembly configured to form generated steam;
An additive assembly in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly,
and release the carbon dioxide in the generated vapor based on adsorption of at least a portion of the generated vapor to the adsorbent material, and release heat based on the adsorption of the portion of the generated vapor to the adsorbent material. an adsorbent material further configured to occur, and
the additive assembly comprising a flavor material configured to release the flavor agent into the generated vapor based at least in part on absorbing heat generated by the adsorbent material; and
and a power section configured to selectively power the vaporizer assembly. 8. The e-vaping device of claim 7, wherein the adsorbent material is a plurality of adsorbent beads. 9. The e-vaping device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the flavor material comprises a plurality of beads, each of said beads comprising at least one flavoring agent. 9. The e-vaping device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the flavor material comprises at least one botanical substance, and wherein the at least one botanical substance comprises the flavoring agent. The e-vaping device according to claim 8, wherein the adsorption beads include at least one of zeolite, silica, activated carbon, and molecular sieves. According to claim 7,
further comprising a vaporizer assembly module and at least one additive module, the vaporizer assembly module being removably coupled to the at least one additive module, the vaporizer assembly module comprising the vaporizer assembly, the at least one additive module comprising: An e-vaping device comprising the additive assembly. According to claim 12,
The e-vaping device further comprises a plurality of additive modules detachably coupled together, each additive module separately containing one of the adsorbent material and the flavor material. According to claim 7,
the additive assembly includes at least first and second additive structures;
the first and second additive structures include at least one of the adsorption material and the flavor material;
wherein the first and second additive structures at least partially define a boundary of at least one flow path between the first and second additive structures. 8. The e-vaping device of claim 7, wherein the power section comprises a rechargeable battery. A cartridge for an electronic vaping device (EVD), comprising:
a vaporizer assembly configured to form generated steam; and
An additive assembly in fluid communication with the vaporizer assembly, the additive assembly comprising:
and release the carbon dioxide in the generated vapor based on adsorption of at least a portion of the generated vapor to the adsorbent material, and release heat based on the adsorption of the portion of the generated vapor to the adsorbent material. an adsorbent material further configured to occur, and
A cartridge comprising a flavor material comprising a flavor and configured to release the flavor into the generated vapor based at least in part on absorbing heat generated by the adsorbent material. 17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the absorbent material is a plurality of absorbent beads. 18. A cartridge according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said flavor material comprises a plurality of beads, each said bead comprising said flavoring agent. 18. A cartridge according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said flavor material comprises at least one botanical substance, said at least one botanical substance comprising said flavoring agent. 17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the adsorbent material comprises at least one of zeolite, silica, activated carbon, and molecular sieves. According to claim 16,
further comprising a vaporizer assembly module and at least one additive module, the vaporizer assembly module being removably coupled to the at least one additive module, the vaporizer assembly module comprising the vaporizer assembly, the at least one additive module comprising: A cartridge comprising the additive assembly. According to claim 21,
The cartridge further comprising a plurality of additive modules detachably coupled together, each additive module separately containing one of the adsorbent material and the flavor material. According to claim 16,
the additive assembly includes at least first and second additive structures;
the first and second additive structures include at least one of the adsorption material and the flavor material;
wherein the first and second additive structures at least partially define a boundary of at least one flow path between the first and second additive structures.

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